Barcelona Testing – Day 1: Laps, Lots of Laps, and Impressive Reliability

Usually, the first day of winter testing involves a few dozen laps per driver, smoking engines, cars stopping in the middle of the track, or accidents. We’ve even had some teams not ready to run on the first days of testing. But this year, the stars seem to be aligned.

Indeed, the 15 drivers completed 1,349 laps in a single day. That’s an average of 90 laps per driver. It’s huge for a first day of testing. Last year, the teams were already impressive with an average of 87 laps per driver, except for Williams, who wasn’t ready to take to the track.

This first day went smoothly. Some cars ran more than others. This is the case for Verstappen, Sainz, Kvyat, Leclerc, and Magnussen, who all completed over 100 laps.

Some spins are to be reported, but no off-track excursions required a tow truck. Notably, the temperatures are cool in Barcelona, with the track not exceeding 17 degrees.

Tomorrow the teams will continue their programs. Romain Grosjean and Pierre Gasly will be part of the tricolor side. Esteban Ocon will once again take the wheel of the Renault, sharing the driving with Daniel Ricciardo.

Charles Leclerc will take the wheel of the car tomorrow morning, leaving his place in the Ferrari to Sebastian Vettel, who was not feeling very well today.

Results of the first day of winter testing in Barcelona: